Villon Clothing
  • Collections
  • Coffee
  • Locals Only
    • Surf Results
    • Skate Results
  • The Team
  • Subscribe
  • Apply
  • Collections
  • Coffee
  • Locals Only
    • Surf Results
    • Skate Results
  • The Team
  • Subscribe
  • Apply
Search

Io Caterpillar

9/29/2019

0 Comments

 
​Florida is known for it’s plethora of dangerous animals; alligators, bears, sharks, snakes, and spiders. The Io (eye-oh) caterpillar needs to be added to this list. While not deadly, the sting of this caterpillar is unpleasant and there’s probably one located within 100 yards of your current location.
Commonly found in hibiscus bushes and crepe myrtles, the coloration of the Io caterpillar is interesting. It is mostly green, which seems an obvious type of camouflage. Then there is a bright red line bordered by white along the sides. The numerous spines with which the caterpillar is covered certainly are intimidating. Trust me, I got an up close look recently. 

Two weeks ago, trimming a hibiscus bush without shoes on, I felt a stinging sensation on my left foot. Looking down I expected to see a wasp or hornet. To my surprise there was a green caterpillar on the underside of a leaf resting on top of my foot. I quickly kicked it off and ran inside. The sting was immediate and my instincts took me straight to the bathroom lifting my foot into the sink and running cold water over it. After a slight panic attack and a quick Google consultation, I began the recommended course of action.

Step one: take tape, place it on the sting, and rip it off in an attempt to remove any spines that remained in my foot.

Repeat step one a couple of times with a new piece of tape to ensure all spines have been removed.

Step two: apply an ice pack to the sting to reduce swelling.

Step three: apply cortisone cream to the sting.

Step four (not included in my research, but needs to be added):
 watch Netflix and chill to get your mind off of your throbbing foot. 

Thankfully a
fter an hour or so the stinging went away. I ventured outside to resume trimming, this time wearing shoes, and after a couple of minutes I saw another Io caterpillar. I immediately put down the trimmers, stepped away from the hibiscus bush and announced my retirement from my trimming duties effective immediately. Two weeks later and the bush is still sporting a mohawk. I haven’t had the courage to finish the job, but you can guarantee that if I find it in me to continue I will wear long pants, shoes, long sleeves, a hat and if I can locate one a bullet proof jacket. I’m not taking any more chances with an Io caterpillar encounter. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Villon

    #FindYourNature
    Summaries from the people that make up Villon. Interviews, Travels, Recipes, and more.

    Have something you want us to write on? Complete the contact form and if we choose your topic, we will send you a package in the mail.

    ​

    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018

    Categories

    All
    Conversations
    Distractions
    Sabbaticals
    Sustanance

    RSS Feed


Picture

Shop | The Explorer | Contact
  • Collections
  • Coffee
  • Locals Only
    • Surf Results
    • Skate Results
  • The Team
  • Subscribe
  • Apply